Do they actually check who the car is registered to? Even if they do, I'd assume unless it's reported stolen, it should be ok...
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dbkkSep 10 '11 at 21:46

3

Yes, they require proof of vehicle ownership when entering the country. And if it's not registered to you, you must have a signed letter from the owner indicating that you are authorized to take the vehicle into Mexico (or so I understand--I've never actually tried doing that). And their rules have become much more strict in the last few months... so I want to be doubly sure before I drive two cars 800 miles just to find out I can only take one into the country. :)
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FlimzySep 10 '11 at 21:53

The only time I've driven to Mexico, we didn't slow below 20mph as we crossed the border, let alone stop and be asked any questions! (This was about 5 years ago though). Coming back was a very different story though, I think we queued for about 2 hours to get back into the states..
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GagravarrSep 11 '11 at 14:18

4

@Gagravarr: I'm guessing you never left the free-trade zone (first ~25km inside the border), then... if you had, you would have been stopped and had your car inspected, and probably been turned back. Or at least that's how they do it now. I wasn't driving into Mexico 5 years ago, so maybe they were more relaxed then.
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FlimzySep 11 '11 at 14:37

2 Answers
2

Tourists to Mexico wishing to travel beyond the border zone with their
car must obtain a temporary import permit or risk having their car
confiscated by Mexican customs officials.

To acquire a permit, one must submit evidence of citizenship, title
for the car, a car registration certificate and a driver's license to
a Banjercito branch located at a Mexican Customs office at the port of
entry, and pay a processing fee.

Mexican law also requires the posting of a bond at a Banjercito office
to guarantee the departure of the car from Mexico within a time period
determined at the time of the application. For this purpose, American
Express, Visa or MasterCard credit card holders will be asked to
provide credit card information; others will need to make a cash
deposit of between $200 and $400, depending on the age of the car.
Please do not forget to ask for your receipt from Banjército.

In order to recover this bond or avoid credit card charges, travelers
must return to any Mexican Customs office immediately prior to
departing Mexico. Disregard any advice, official or unofficial, that
vehicle permits can be obtained at checkpoints in the interior of
Mexico. Avoid individuals outside vehicle permit offices offering to
obtain the permits without waiting in line.

If the proper permit cannot be obtained at the Banjercito branch at
the port of entry, do not proceed to the interior where travelers may
be incarcerated, fined and/or have their vehicle seized at
immigration/customs checkpoints.

So it sounds really like as long as you have the ownership papers and registration, it doesn't matter how many cars in your convoy :D

There is no limit on the number of cars. If you don't own the car you need a letter from who does. IE if the car is leased you need a letter from the leasing company; If the Bank still owns the car, you need a letter from the bank; etc. The letter needs to say you are authorized to take the vehicle into Mexico. Since you, (the owner), would be with them it should be easier, but you may still want to write the letter for them to keep in the car.

I would refer to Mark's quotation for requirements and add, If you don't have a tourist permit you can not pass checkpoints. The tourist permits can not be obtained at checkpoints. You also need to insure vehicles.

This information comes from Instant Mexico Auto Insurance, they insure vehicles for groups of people involved in international off road racing, and pit stop crews are often driving cars that all belong to the Motor-sporting company.